Why I Love This Recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal for a game day or barbecue gathering. The chicken turns out tender and juicy every time, thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking. The addition of BBQ rub and sauce gives the chicken a perfect smoky flavor that’s complemented by a fresh, crunchy coleslaw topping. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and cook time, and it’s so versatile — you can serve it on buns, in wraps, or even over a salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick family meal, this recipe is always a hit.
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Moist, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in your Instant Pot with BBQ rub and sauce, perfect for serving on buns with a scoop of coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Calories: 343 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (1.35 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast and thighs
- 3 tablespoons BBQ rub (adjust to taste)
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (use your favorite kind)
- 12 sandwich buns, rolls, or slider buns
- Coleslaw (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with BBQ rub and mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Set the chicken aside to marinate while you prepare the Instant Pot.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken broth and liquid smoke to the Instant Pot insert.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the pot, pressing it down so it’s mostly covered by the liquid.
- Close and seal the Instant Pot lid. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a plate or bowl.
- Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed.
- Combine with BBQ Sauce:
- Discard the excess cooking liquid in the Instant Pot.
- Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot, then add about ½ cup of the cooking liquid (for moisture) and 1 cup of BBQ sauce (or more if you prefer it saucier). Stir until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Split the sandwich buns or rolls in half.
- Spoon a generous scoop of the pulled chicken onto the bottom bun.
- Top with a heaping spoonful of coleslaw, then place the top bun on.
- Serve:
- Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the savory, smoky goodness!
Tips & Tricks
- Chicken Tip: For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken in a bit of oil in the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting before pressure cooking.
- Moisture Tip: If you want the chicken extra juicy, add a little more BBQ sauce or cooking liquid when combining the chicken.
- BBQ Sauce Tip: Use your favorite BBQ sauce — whether it’s sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy — this recipe can adapt to any flavor profile.
- Coleslaw Tip: A crunchy, creamy coleslaw works best to balance the rich pulled chicken. You can use store-bought coleslaw mix for speed, or make your own with shredded cabbage, carrots, and your preferred dressing.
Notes
- Reduced-Sodium Broth: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth to avoid making the dish too salty, especially if your BBQ rub is already salted.
- Chicken Mix: Using a combination of chicken breast and thighs gives you the best of both worlds — lean breast meat with the added flavor and moisture of the thighs.
- Freezer-Friendly: To make meal prep easier, freeze the pulled chicken in portion sizes. You can reheat it quickly for a future meal.
- Serving Tip: This pulled chicken is versatile enough to be served on sandwich buns, in wraps, or even over a bed of rice or salad for a low-carb option.
FAQs
1. Can I use just chicken breasts or thighs?
Yes, you can use just chicken breasts or thighs, but the combination of both creates a better flavor and texture. If you use only chicken breasts, you might need to add more liquid to keep it moist.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add 5 extra minutes of cooking time to account for the frozen chicken. Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer as much as possible.
3. What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use whatever BBQ sauce you prefer! Sweet, tangy, smoky, spicy — any variety will work. If you want to change it up, try making your own sauce!
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pulled chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This recipe is great for freezing! Store pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the pulled chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of BBQ sauce or broth to keep it moist.
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. You can’t go wrong with this juicy, smoky chicken, especially when paired with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ sauce. Enjoy
